Symptoms
A pulsing grunt or rasp when turning slowly or parking, worst after the truck has sat for a week; or a slapping noise against the case, even at idle, which means a loose chain.
The fix, step by step
- Set all four tires to the same pressure and make sure they match in size and type.
- Drain the Quadra-Trac and the low-range unit if fitted, and refill only with Quadra-Trac lubricant, never multigrade detergent oil.
- The factory manual then says to drive in circles both ways for about 15 minutes without hitting the steering stops.
- If it still slaps, split the case and fit a new chain and seals; Team Grand Wagoneer says to use about 3 quarts of its Quadra-Trac fluid after a rebuild.
Tools & part numbers
- Drain pan
- fluid pump
- sockets
- for the chain: seal pullers, gasket scraper, case-half gasket and RTV per kit
Where to buy the parts
Quadra-Trac transfer case fluid (TCL-1)Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Quadra-Trac transfer case chain kit, SJ & J-Series 1976–1979Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Quadra-Trac seal & gasket kit, 1976–1979Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Quadra-Trac upper & lower sprocket bearing, 1976–1979Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
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Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.